Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

750. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times a person seeking international protection initially claimed to be a child but who was subsequently found to be an adult for each year since 2021 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63039/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When an applicant presents as an unaccompanied minor, the International Protection Office refers the individual to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency who assess their needs and eligibility for services. Tusla may then decide that an application for international protection should be made on behalf of the minor.

In cases where Tusla have determined an individual is not eligible to access their services, the individual's application is managed through the process as an adult, and accommodated as such.

The IPO databases do not allow for reporting on cases where the ages of applicants were, or are, under dispute.